Display device integral with protection plate, and display apparatus using the same

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a display panel to display an image, a protection plate that is arranged on an observation side of the display panel with a predetermined gap with respect to the display panel, spacer that is arranged between the display panel and the protection plate to surround a region that corresponds to a screen area of the display panel, and a filler layer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer of a gap between the display panel and the protection plate. The spacer includes at least one missing portion to connect an inside and an outside of the region to each other. The filler layer has been polymerized by irradiation of light and heating.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2007-254442, filed Sep. 28, 2007;and No. 2007-254443, filed Sep. 28, 2007, the entire contents of both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display device integral with aprotection plate in which the protection plate to protect theobservation surface of a display panel to display an image is integrallyarranged on the observation side of the display panel, and a displayapparatus using this display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A liquid crystal display device integral with a protection plate isavailable. In this liquid crystal display device, an observation surfaceprotection plate is arranged on the observation side of a display panel.The protection plate is bonded to the liquid crystal display panelthrough a frame-like spacer. The region that is surrounded by the spacerof the gap between the liquid crystal display panel and observationsurface protection plate is filled with a viscous liquid (see Jpn. UMRegistration No. 2529118).

This liquid crystal display device, however, is difficult to manufacturebecause the viscous liquid to fill the gap between the display panel andobservation surface protection plate must be sealed so as not to leak.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A display device according to the first aspect of the present inventionincludes a display panel to display an image, a protection plate that isarranged on an observation side of the display panel with apredetermined gap with respect to the display panel and configured toprotect an observation surface of the display panel, a spacer that isarranged between the display panel and the protection plate to surrounda region that corresponds to a screen area of the display panel, and afiller layer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer of agap between the display panel and the protection plate. The spacerincludes at least one missing portion to connect an inside and anoutside of the region to each other. The filler layer has beenpolymerized by irradiation of light and heating.

A display device according to the second aspect of the present inventionincludes a display panel to display to display an image, a protectionplate that is arranged on an observation side of the display panel witha predetermined gap with respect to the display panel and configured toprotect an observation surface of the display panel, a film member thatis arranged on a surface of the protection plate that opposes thedisplay panel outside a screen area of the display panel so as tosurround a region that corresponds to the screen area and overlap thedisplay panel at least partly, and a filler layer formed of a resinwhich is filling the region that is surrounded by an inner edge of thefilm member of a gap between the display panel and the protection plate.The film member includes at least one missing portion formed at aportion overlapping with the display panel. The missing portion extendsoutside the display panel to connect an inside and an outside of theregion to each other.

A display device according to the third aspect of the present inventionincludes a housing including a display opening, a support provided inthe housing to correspond to the opening, a display device, and asurface light source unit that is fixed to the support in the housing ona side of the display device that is opposite to the observation side.The display device includes a display panel to display an image, aprotection plate that is arranged on an observation side of the displaypanel with a predetermined gap with respect to the display panel, has asize to fit in the opening of the housing, and is configured to protectan observation surface of the display panel, a spacer that is arrangedbetween the display panel and the protection plate to surround a regionthat corresponds to a screen area of the display panel, and includes atleast one missing portion to connect an inside and an outside of theregion to each other, and an elastic filler layer filling the regionthat is surrounded by the spacer of a gap between the display panel andthe protection plate, and has been polymerized by irradiation of lightand heating. The surface light source unit is configured to fix thedisplay device and radiate illumination light toward the display device.

According to the present invention, a display device integral with aprotection plate, and a display apparatus that uses the same can bemanufactured easily.

Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description thatfollows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may belearned by practice of the invention. Advantages of the invention may berealized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinationsparticularly pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a display device integral with a protectionplate according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of the display deviceintegral with the protection plate of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered liquid crystal display deviceof the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a method of manufacturing the display deviceintegral with the protection plate of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered display device according tothe second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered display device according tothe third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a display deviceintegral with a protection plate according to the fourth embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a display deviceintegral with a protection plate according to the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered observation surface protectionplate of the fifth embodiment that is as viewed from the spacer-adheredsurface side;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered observation surfaceprotection plate according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention that is as viewed from the spacer-adhered surface side;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of that portion of one end of adisplay device integral with a protection plate of the sixth embodimentwhich corresponds to a spacer;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of that portion of one end of thedisplay device integral with the protection plate of the sixthembodiment which corresponds to a missing portion of the spacer;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a display deviceintegral with a protection plate according to the seventh embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal displayapparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a liquid crystaldisplay module of the eighth embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal displayapparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 to 4 show the first embodiment of the present invention, inwhich FIG. 1 is a side view of a display device integral with aprotection plate, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of one end ofthe display device integral with the protection plate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this display device integral with theprotection plate comprises a display panel 1, a protection plate 9, aspacer 11, and a transparent filler layer 14. The display panel 1 is todisplay an image. The protection plate 9 is arranged on the observationside of the display panel 1 with a predetermined gap with respect to thedisplay panel 1 and serves to protect the observation surface. Thespacer 11 is arranged between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9to surround the region that corresponds to a screen area 1 a of thedisplay panel 1 (see FIG. 3). The spacer 11 is provided with at leastone missing portion 12, e.g., a plurality of missing portions 12, toconnect the inside and outside of the region to with each other. Thefiller layer 14 is filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer11 of the gap between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9. Thefiller layer 14 has been polymerized by irradiation of light (e.g.,ultraviolet irradiation) and heating.

The display panel 1 is, e.g., a liquid crystal display panel, andcomprises a pair of observation side and opposite side transparentsubstrates 2 and 3, a liquid crystal layer 5, and a pair of observationside and opposite side polarizing plates 6 and 7. The transparentsubstrates 2 and 3 oppose each other at a predetermined gap and arebonded to each other through a frame-like seal member 4 surrounding thescreen area 1 a. The liquid crystal layer 5 is sealed in the region thatis surrounded by the seal member 4 of the gap between the substrates 2and 3. The polarizing plates 6 and 7 are arranged on the outer surfacesof the pair of substrates 2 and 3, respectively.

The display panel 1 is, e.g., an active matrix crystal display panelincluding TFTs (thin film transistors) as active elements. The innersurface of one substrate, e.g., the transparent substrate 3 that isopposite to the observation side is provided with transparent pixelelectrodes, TFTs, scanning lines, and signal lines, although riot shownin the drawings. The transparent pixel electrodes are arranged to form amatrix in the row and column directions. The TFTs are arranged tocorrespond to the pixel electrodes and connected to the correspondingpixel electrodes. The scanning lines are to supply gate signals to theTFTs on the respective rows. The signal lines are to supply data signalsto the TFTs on the respective columns. The inner surface of the othersubstrate, e.g., the observation side substrate 2, is provided with afilm-like transparent opposed electrode that opposes the array region ofthe pixel electrodes.

The opposite side substrate 3 has a driver mounting portion 3 aextending to outside the observation side substrate 2. The scanninglines and signal lines are connected to a display driver 8 mounted onthe driver mounting portion 3 a. The opposed electrode is connected toan opposed electrode potential supply source through cross connections(not shown) formed on a substrate bonding portion formed of the sealmember 4 and opposed electrode connection lines (not shown) formed onthe driver mounting portion 3 a.

Although not shown, the inner surface of the observation side substrate2 is provided with color filters of three colors, i.e., red, green, andblue, to respectively correspond to the pixels comprising regions wherethe pixel electrodes and opposed electrode oppose. The opposed electrodeis formed on the color filters. The inner surfaces of the pair ofsubstrates 2 and 3 are provided with alignment films to cover theelectrodes. Between the pair of substrates 2 and 3, the liquid crystalmolecules of the liquid crystal layer 5 are aligned in an alignmentstate defined by the alignment films.

The display panel 1 controls transmission of light emitted from asurface light source (not shown) arranged on its side that is oppositeto the observation side by applying a voltage across the electrodes ofthe pixels, to display an image.

The protection plate 9 is formed of a transparent plate such as a glassplate or acrylic resin plate, and forms a rectangular plate with such asize that its outer peripheral portion extends outside the display panel1 when as viewed from the observation side of the display panel 1.

A light-shielding film 10 is formed on that surface of the protectionplate 9 which opposes the display panel 1, on the outer peripheralportion between the outer circumferential edge of the portioncorresponding to the spacer 11 and the circumferential edge of theprotection plate 9, to correspond to the region that is outside thescreen area 1 a of the display panel 1. The light-shielding film 10 isformed of a light-shielding paint printed film or a metal film such as achromium plating or deposition film.

The spacer 11 forms a rectangular frame surrounding the region thatcorresponds to the screen area 1 a of the display panel 1. The missingportions 12, connecting the inside and outside of the region to eachother, are respectively formed near the four corners of the rectangularframe.

The spacer 11 is formed of a resin film with a thickness correspondingto the gap provided between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9.A pressure-sensitive adhesive double coated film 13 having the sameshape as that of the spacer 11 is adhered to one surface of the spacer11.

The spacer 11 is adhered to one of the opposing surfaces of the displaypanel 1 and protection plate 9, e.g., the observation side surface ofthe display panel 1, i.e., the outer surface of the observation sidepolarizing plate 6, through the pressure-sensitive adhesive doublecoated film 13. The spacer 11 abuts against the other one of theopposing surfaces of the display panel 1 and protection plate 9, i.e.,that surface (the film surface of the light-shielding film 10) of theprotection plate 9 which opposes the display panel 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the display panel 1 to which the spacer 11 isadhered. According to this embodiment, the spacer 11 is arranged on theleft and right sides, throughout the entire lengths, of the region thatcorresponds to the screen area 1 a of the display panel 1, and on thoseportions of the upper and lower sides of the region excluding the twoends of each side, to surround the region. Thus, the missing portions 12are formed between the ends of the left and right sides of the spacer 11and the ends of the upper and lower sides of the spacer 11.

The filler layer 14 filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer11 of the gap between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 isformed of a transparent resin having the characteristics of bothultraviolet polymerization properties and thermal polymerizationproperties.

The transparent resin having the characteristics of both ultravioletpolymerization properties and thermal polymerization properties isobtained by adding a hardening initiator made of an organic peroxidesuch as sulphonium salt to a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin, e.g., acrylicmonomer such as acrylate or methacrylate, or acrylic oligomer as a lowerpolymer of one or both of acrylate and methacrylate.

Desirably, this resin has characteristics including a viscosity in anunpolymerized state of 1,500 mPa·s (millipascal second) to 10,000 mPa·sand preferably 3,000 mPa·s to 5,000 mPa·s, an E-code hardness afterultraviolet polymerization and thermal polymerization of E4 to E13 andpreferably E7 to E10, and a shrinkage factor by ultravioletpolymerization and thermal polymerization of 0.9% to 2.0% and preferably0.97% to 1.64%.

FIG. 4 shows a method of manufacturing the display device integral withthe protection plate. This display device integral with the protectionplate is obtained in the following manner. The spacer 11 is adhered tothe observation side surface (the outer surface of the polarizing plate6) of the display panel 1 through the pressure-sensitive adhesive doublecoated film 13. After that, a filler 14 a comprising a transparent resinwith the characteristics of both ultraviolet polymerization propertiesand thermal polymerization properties is supplied by a dispenser or thelike to near the center of that surface of the display panel 1 (near thecenter of the screen area 1 a) where the spacer 11 is adhered. Theprotection plate 9 is overlaid on the filler 14 a, and pressure isapplied to the protection plate 9. Thus, that surface of the protectionplate 9 which opposes the display panel 1 abuts against the spacer 11.The pressure applied to the protection plate 9 spreads the filler 14 aover the entire region surrounded by the spacer 11. Ultraviolet rays areradiated to the outer side of the protection plate 9 while maintainingthe pressure. Then, after the pressure is removed or while the pressureis maintained, the resultant structure is left still in a heatingatmosphere maintained at the polymerization temperature of the filler 14a for a predetermined period of time, thus polymerizing the filler 14 a.

In the manufacture of this display device integral with the protectionplate, when the protection plate 9 is overlaid on the filler 14 asupplied onto the display panel 1 and is pressurized, the filler 14 a isspread while discharging air between the display panel 1 and protectionplate 9 to the outside through the missing portions 12 formed in thespacer 11, to fill the entire region surrounded by the spacer 11.

According to this embodiment, the spacer 11 is formed into therectangular frame surrounding the region that corresponds to the screenarea 1 a of the display panel 1 and including the missing portions 12near the four corners of the rectangular frame. Accordingly, air betweenthe display panel 1 and protection plate 9 is discharged from themissing portions 12 near the four corners, so that the filler 14 a isspread toward the whole circumference of the region surrounded by thespacer 11, thus filling the entire region evenly.

The supply amount of filler 14 a onto the display panel 1 is set so thatthe amount of filler 14 a squeezed to the outside from the missingportions 12 becomes minimum, in accordance with the capacity of theregion, that is, the gap between the display panel 1 and protectionplate 9 that is defined by the spacer 11 and the area of the regionsurrounded by the spacer 11.

The filler 14 a filling the entire region surrounded by the spacer 11 ispolymerized by ultraviolet polymerization when ultraviolet raysirradiate the outer surface of the protection plate 9 while maintainingthe pressurized state. Thus, in the region surrounded by the spacer 11,the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 are bonded to each otherthrough the layer of the filler 14 a that has been polymerized byultraviolet polymerization.

Ultraviolet radiation is performed in accordance with thecharacteristics of the filler 14 a for a period of time slightly longerthan the time required for the filler 14 a to polymerize by ultravioletpolymerization. After that, that is, after the ultravioletpolymerization of the filler 14 a bonds the display panel 1 andprotection plate 9 to each other, the pressure is removed.

In the ultraviolet polymerization of the filler 14 a, thelight-shielding film 10 formed on the outer peripheral portion of thatsurface of the protection plate 9 which opposes the display panel 1shields the ultraviolet rays radiated from the outer surface of theprotection plate 9. If the protection plate 9 is printed for the purposeof ornament or the like, the printed film also shields the ultravioletrays. Thus, an insufficient polymerization portion or unpolymerizationportion remains on that portion of the ultraviolet-polymerized filler 14a which corresponds to the light-shielding film 10 and the printed film.

When the resultant structure is heated to the polymerization temperatureof the filler 14 a after ultraviolet radiation, the insufficientpolymerization portion or unpolymerization portion remaining afterultraviolet radiation is thermally polymerized to form the filler layer14 in which the entire layer of the filler 14 a has been polymerized.

The ultraviolet polymerization of the filler 14 a has bonded the displaypanel 1 and protection plate 9 to each other in advance. Thus, byleaving still the resultant structure in a heating atmosphere maintainedat the polymerization temperature of the filler 14 a for the time equalto or longer than the time period required for the filler 14 a tothermally polarize, the filler 14 a can be thermally polymerized withoutmaintaining the pressurized state.

The display device integral with the protection plate comprises thedisplay panel 1, protection plate 9, spacer 11, and transparent fillerlayer 14. The display panel 1 is to display the image. The protectionplate 9 is arranged on the observation side of the display panel 1 atthe predetermined gap with respect to the display panel 1. The spacer 11is arranged between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 tosurround the region that corresponds to the screen area 1 a of thedisplay panel 1. The spacer 11 includes the missing portions 12 toconnect the inside and outside of the region to each other. The fillerlayer 14 is filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer 11 ofthe gap between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9. The fillerlayer 14 has been polymerized by ultraviolet radiation and heating.Hence, the display device integral with the protection plate can bemanufactured easily with a higher bonding strength of the display panel1 and protection plate 9.

More specifically, in the display device integral with the protectionplate, the spacer 11 is arranged between the display panel 1 andprotection plate 9 to surround the region that corresponds to the screenarea 1 a of the display panel 1. The filler layer 14, which has filledthe region that is surrounded by the spacer 11 of the gap between thedisplay panel 1 and protection plate 9 and has been polymerized byultraviolet radiation and heating, is arranged in this region. Thefiller layer 14 accordingly bonds the display panel 1 to the protectionplate 9 to each other. Thus, the bonding strength of the display panel 1and protection plate 9 can be improved.

In the display device integral with the protection plate, the spacer 11has the missing portions 12 connecting the inside and outside of theregion to each other. Accordingly, the filler 14 a to form the fillerlayer 14 is supplied onto the surface of either one of the opposingsurfaces of the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 (in thisembodiment, that surface of the display panel 1 which opposes theprotection plate 9), and the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 areopposed to each other and pressurized, so that the spacer 11 defines thegap between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9. The pressurealso spreads the filler 14 a toward the portion around the regionsurrounded by the spacer 11 while discharging air between the displaypanel 1 and protection plate 9 from the missing portions 12. Then, thefiller 14 a can fill the entire region without forming any unfilledspace.

The filler 14 a filling the region is polymerized by ultravioletradiation while maintaining the pressurized state. After that, thepressure is removed, and the resultant structure is left for apredetermined period of time in the heating atmosphere held at thepolymerization temperature of the filler 14 a. This thermallypolymerizes the insufficient polymerization portion or unpolymerizationportion that remains after ultraviolet radiation, thereby forming thefiller layer 14.

In contrast to this, when the filler layer 14 is formed of a fillerhaving only ultraviolet polymerization properties, although the fillercan be polymerized by ultraviolet radiation for the time almost equal tothat in the above embodiment, an insufficient polymerization portion orunpolymerization portion that is not irradiated with the ultravioletrays is left as it is. Accordingly, it is difficult to polymerize theentire filler completely.

When the filler layer 14 is formed of a filler having only thermalpolymerization properties, the heating time required to polymerize thefiller is longer than the time required for ultraviolet polymerization.Hence, during the heating time, the display panel 1 and protection plate9 must he maintained pressurized.

In the display device integral with the protection plate of the aboveembodiment, the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 are bonded by thefiller layer 14 that has filled the region that is surrounded by thespacer 11 of the gap between the display panel 1 and protection plate 9and has been polymerized by ultraviolet radiation and heating.Accordingly, no insufficient polymerization portion or unpolymerizationportion remains in the filler layer 14. As a result, a sufficientbonding strength can be maintained between the display panel 1 andprotection plate 9.

In the display device integral with the protection plate, the filler 14a fills the region that is surrounded by the spacer 11 of the gapbetween the display panel 1 and protection plate 9. The filler 14 a ispolymerized by ultraviolet polymerization while maintaining thepressurized state of the display panel 1 and protection plate 9. Afterthat, the pressure is removed and the resultant structure is left stillin the heating atmosphere. This thermally polymerizes the insufficientpolymerization portion or unpolymerization portion of the filler 14 athat remains after ultraviolet radiation, thus forming the filler layer14. Accordingly, the filler layer 14 can be manufactured easily.

In the display device integral with the protection plate, the fillerlayer 14 that is formed by ultraviolet polymerization and thermalpolymerization of the filler 14 a has appropriate elasticity like thatof a rubber film. When an impact is applied to the outer surface of theprotection plate 9, the filler layer 14 can buffer the impact, therebyprotecting the display panel 1 from the impact.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered display device according tothe second embodiment of the present invention.

According to this embodiment, a spacer 11 is arranged on those portionsof the left and right sides of the region that corresponds to a screenarea 1 a of a display panel 1 excluding the upper and lower ends of eachside, and on those portions of the upper and lower sides of the regionexcluding the left and right ends of each side, to surround the region.More specifically, the spacer 11 forms missing portions 12 between theupper and lower ends of spacers 11 a on the left and right sides and theleft and right ends of spacers 11 b on the upper and lower sides. Eachof the missing portions 12 is formed in such a shape that its widthincreases from the outer edge toward the inner edge of the spacer 11.Except for this, the arrangement of the display device integral with theprotection plate of this embodiment is the same as that of the firstembodiment described above, and accordingly a repetitive descriptionwill be omitted.

According to this embodiment, the missing portions 12, each of which hassuch a shape that the width increases from the outer edge toward theinner edge of the spacer 11, are formed near the respective cornerswhere the spacers 11 a and 11 b on the four sides of the spacer 11intersect. Accordingly, when the display panel 1 and a protection plate9 are opposed to each other and pressurized, a filler 14 a (see FIG. 4)supplied onto the surface of either one of the opposing surfaces of thedisplay panel 1 and protection plate 9 can be spread toward the portionaround the region surrounded by the spacer 11 more efficiently, therebyfilling the entire region evenly.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered display device according tothe third embodiment of the present invention.

According to this embodiment, a spacer 11 forms a rectangular framesurrounding the region that corresponds to a screen area 1 a of adisplay panel 1. Missing portions 12 are formed at least at one portion(two portions in FIG. 6) of each of the four sides and the four cornersof the rectangular frame. More specifically, spacer portions 11 a 1, 11a 2, 11 a 3, 11 b 1, 11 b 2, and 11 b 3 that form the spacer 11 arearranged at distances from each other to form the rectangular frame.Except for this, the arrangement of the display device integral with theprotection plate of this embodiment is the same as that of the firstembodiment described above, and accordingly a repetitive descriptionwill be omitted.

According to this embodiment, the missing portions 12 are respectivelyformed on the four sides and four corners of the spacer 11. Accordingly,when the display panel 1 and a protection plate 9 are opposed to eachother and pressurized, a filler 14 a (see FIG. 4) supplied onto thesurface of either one of the opposing surfaces of the display panel 1and protection plate 9 can be spread toward the entire peripheralportion of the region surrounded by the spacer 11 more efficiently,thereby filling the entire region evenly.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a display deviceintegral with a protection plate according to the fourth embodiment ofthe present invention.

In the display device integral with the protection plate of thisembodiment, a spacer 11 formed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive doublecoated film is provided between a display panel 1 and a protection plate9 to form a rectangular frame surrounding the region that corresponds toa screen area 1 a of the display panel 1. The spacer 111 has missingportions 12 shown in either one of FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. The spacer 111 isadhered to each of both the opposing surfaces of the display panel 1 andprotection plate 9. Except for this, the arrangement of the displaydevice integral with the protection plate of this embodiment is the sameas that of the first embodiment described above, and accordingly arepetitive description will be omitted.

The display device integral with the protection plate of this embodimentcomprises the spacer 111 formed of the pressure-sensitive adhesivedouble coated film. A filler 14 a is supplied onto the surface of eitherone of the opposing surfaces of the display panel 1 and protection plate9, in the same manner as in FIG. 4. After that, the display panel 1 andprotection plate 9 are opposed and pressurized against each other. Thus,the spacer 111 can he adhered to each of the two opposing surfaces ofthe display panel 1 and protection plate 9, thereby maintaining the gapbetween the display panel 1 and protection plate 9.

According to this embodiment, after the spacer 111 is adhered to each ofthe two opposing surfaces of the display panel 1 and protection plate 9,the pressure is removed, and the filler 14 a can be polarized by bothultraviolet polymerization and thermal polymerization without pressure.Accordingly, the display device integral with the protection plate canbe manufactured further easily.

Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the fifth embodiment of the present invention, inwhich FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a displaydevice integral with a protection plate, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of aspacer of a spacer-adhered protection plate as viewed from thespacer-adhered surface side.

The display device integral with the protection plate of this embodimentcomprises a spacer 11 that is formed of a resin film, forms arectangular frame surrounding the region that corresponds to a screenarea 1 a of a display panel 1, and includes at least one missing portion12, e.g., missing portions 12 formed on the four sides and four cornersof the rectangular frame. More specifically, spacer portions 11 a 1, 11a 2, 11 a 3, 11 b 1, 11 b 2, and 11 b 3 that form the spacer 11 arearranged at distances from each other to form the rectangular frame. Thespacer portions 11 a 1, 11 a 2, 11 a 3, 11 b 1, 11 b 2, and 11 b 3 areadhered to that surface of the protection plate 9 (the film surface of alight-shielding film 10) which opposes the display panel 1 throughpressure-sensitive adhesive double coated films 13. The opposite surfaceof the spacer 11 is abutted against that surface of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 1 which opposes the protection plate 9. Except for this,the arrangement of the display device integral with the protection plateof this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment describedabove, and accordingly a repetitive description will be omitted.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 10 to 12 show the sixth embodiment of the present invention, inwhich FIG. 10 is a plan view of a spacer-adhered protection plate asviewed from the spacer-adhered surface side, FIG. 11 is an enlargedsectional view of that portion of one end of a display device integralwith a protection plate which corresponds to a spacer, and FIG. 12 is anenlarged sectional view of that portion of one end of the display deviceintegral with the protection plate which corresponds to a missingportion of the spacer.

The display device integral with the protection plate of this embodimentcomprises a protection plate 19 made of tempered glass. The displaydevice includes a splinterproof sheet 15 against fraction of theprotection plate 19. The splinterproof sheet 15 is adhered to thatsurface of the protection plate 19 which opposes a display panel 1. Thesplinterproof sheet 15 covers the entire outer peripheral portionbetween the outer circumferential edge of a portion corresponding to aspacer 11 and the circumferential edge of the protection plate 19.

In this embodiment, the spacer 11 is formed of a resin film that forms arectangular frame surrounding the region that corresponds to a screenarea 1 a of a display panel 1, and includes at least one missingportions 12, e.g., missing portions 12 formed on the four sides and fourcorners of the rectangular frame. The splinterproof sheet 15 is formedintegrally with the spacer 11.

More specifically, the resin film that is obtained by integrating thespacer 11 and splinterproof sheet 15 is formed of a film member that isarranged on that surface of the protection plate which opposes thedisplay panel 1 outside the screen area 1 a of the display panel 1 so asto surround a region that corresponds to the screen area 1 a and overlapthe display panel 1 at least partly. This film member includes themissing portions 12 formed at a portion overlapping with the displaypanel 1. Each of the missing portions 12 extends outside the displaypanel 1 to connect the inside and outside of the region to each other.

Of the edge of the splinterproof sheet 15 that is on the side of thespacer 11, those portions that correspond to the missing portions 12 ofthe spacer 11 are located outside the outer circumferential edge of thatregion of the display panel 1 which corresponds to a filler layer 14.

According to this embodiment, the spacer 11 and splinterproof sheet 15are adhered to that surface (the film surface of a light-shielding film10) of the protection plate 19 which opposes the display panel 1 througha pressure-sensitive adhesive double coated film 13 a having the sameshape as that of the spacer 11 and splinterproof sheet 15. The oppositesurface of the integral body of the spacer 11 and splinterproof sheet 15is abutted against that surface of the display panel 1 which opposes theprotection plate 19. Except for this, the arrangement of the displaydevice integral with the protection plate of this embodiment is the sameas that of the first embodiment described above, and accordingly arepetitive description will be omitted.

In the display device integral with the protection plate of thisembodiment, the splinterproof sheet 15 is adhered to the outerperipheral portion of that surface of the tempered glass protectionplate 19 which opposes a display panel 1, covering the entire regionbetween the outer circumferential edge of a portion corresponding to thespacer 11 and the circumferential edge of the protection plate 19.Accordingly, even if the protection plate 19 is broken by an excessiveimpact, the fragments can be prevented from scattering outside.

According to this embodiment, since the splinterproof sheet 15 andspacer 11 are formed Integrally, they can be adhered to the protectionplate 19 at once, thus facilitating the manufacture of the displaydevice integral with the protection plate.

Furthermore, in this display device integral with the protection plate,of the edge of the splinterproof sheet 15 that is on the side of thespacer 11, those portions that correspond to the missing portions 12 ofthe spacer 11 are located outside the outer circumferential edge of thatregion of the display panel 1 which corresponds to the filler layer 14.Accordingly, when the display panel 1 and protection plate 9 are opposedto each other and pressurized, air between the display panel 1 andprotection plate 19 is discharged outside through the missing portions12 of the spacer 11 and spaces between the missing portions 12 and theedges of the splinterproof sheet 15 that correspond to the missingportions 12. Thus, a filler 14 a that is supplied onto the surface ofeither one of the opposing surfaces of the display panel 1 andprotection plate 9 in the same manner as in FIG. 4 can fill the entireregion surrounded by the spacer 11.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of a display deviceintegral with a protection plate according to the seventh embodiment ofthe present invention.

In the display device integral with the protection plate of thisembodiment, a spacer 112 and a splinterproof sheet 115 formed of apigment-added light-shielding resin film are adhered to that surface ofa tempered glass protection plate 19 which opposes a display panel 1through a highly transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive double coatedfilm 131 having the same shape as that of the spacer 112 andsplinterproof sheet 115. The splinterproof sheet 115 thus forms alight-shielding film corresponding to that region of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 1 which is outside a screen area 1 a. Except for this, thearrangement of the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the sixthembodiment.

In this display device integral with the protection plate, thelight-shielding splinterproof sheet 115 is adhered to that surface ofthe protection plate 19 which opposes the liquid crystal display panelThe splinterproof sheet 115 forms the light-shielding film correspondingto that region of the liquid crystal display panel 1 which is outsidethe screen area 1 a. Accordingly, the light-shielding film 10 in theabove first to sixth embodiments that comprises a printed film formed onthe outer peripheral portion of that surface of the protection plate 9or 19 that opposes the display panel 1 can be omitted. This furtherfacilitates the manufacture of the display device integral with theprotection plate.

Eighth Embodiment

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the eighth embodiment of the present invention, inwhich FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal displayapparatus.

This liquid crystal display apparatus is an electronic device such as aportable telephone, digital camera, or electronic organizer, andcomprises a housing 120 having a display opening 121 with apredetermined size and a liquid crystal display module 129 arranged inthe housing 120 to correspond to the opening 121, as shown in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid crystal display module 129 comprises aliquid crystal display panel 110, a surface light source unit 117, and aprotection plate. The surface light source unit 177 is arranged on aside opposite to the observation side (upper side in FIG. 14) of theliquid crystal display panel 110, and is to emit illumination lighttoward the liquid crystal display panel 110. The protection plate 109 isarranged on the observation side of the liquid crystal display panel 110at a predetermined gap with respect to the liquid crystal display panel110. The liquid crystal display panel 110 is fixed to the surface lightsource unit 117. A spacer 211 is arranged between the liquid crystaldisplay panel 110 and protection plate 109 to surround the region thatcorresponds to a screen area 1 a of the liquid crystal display panel110. An elastic filler layer 114 is filling the region that issurrounded by the spacer 211 of the gap between the liquid crystaldisplay panel 110 and protection plate 109.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of one end of the liquid crystaldisplay module 129. The liquid crystal display panel 110 comprises apair of observation side transparent substrate 101 and opposite sidetransparent substrate 102, a liquid crystal layer 105, and a pair ofobservation side polarizing plate 106 and opposite side polarizing plate107. The transparent substrates 101 and 102 are arranged to oppose eachother at a predetermined gap and bonded to each other through aframe-like seal member 104 that surrounds the screen area. The liquidcrystal layer 105 is sealed in that region of the gap between thesubstrates 101 and 102 which is surrounded by the seal member 104, i.e.,sealed in the screen area. The polarizing plates 106 and 107 arerespectively arranged on the outer surfaces of the pair of substrates101 and 102.

The liquid crystal display panel 110 is, e.g., an active matrix liquidcrystal display panel including TFTs (thin film transistors) as activeelements. The inner surface of one substrate, e.g., the substrate 102that is opposite to the observation side, is provided with transparentpixel electrodes, TFTs, scanning lines, and signal lines, although notshown in the drawings. The transparent pixel electrodes are arranged toform a matrix in the row and column directions. The TFTs are arranged tocorrespond to the pixel electrodes and connected to the correspondingpixel electrodes. The scanning lines are to supply gate signals to theTFTs on the respective rows. The signal lines are to supply data signalsto the TFTs on the respective columns. The inner surface of the othersubstrate, e.g., the observation side substrate 101, is provided with afilm-like transparent opposed electrode that opposes the array region ofthe pixel electrodes.

Although not shown, the inner surface of the observation side substrate101 is provided with color filters of three colors, i.e., red, green,and blue, to respectively correspond to the pixels comprising regionswhere the pixel electrodes and opposed electrode oppose. The opposedelectrode is formed on the color filters. The inner surfaces of the pairof substrates 101 and 102 are provided with alignment films to cover theelectrodes. Between the pair of substrates 101 and 102, the liquidcrystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 105 are aligned in analignment state defined by the alignment films.

As shown in FIG. 15, the surface light source unit 117 arranged on thatside of the liquid crystal display panel 110 which is opposite to theobservation side comprises a surface light source 117 a to emitillumination light toward the liquid crystal display panel 110, and aframe member 118 supporting the surface light source 117 a.

The surface light source 117 a comprises a light-guide plate 119,light-emitting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes) (not shown), adiffusion layer 122, and a pair of prism sheets 123 and 124. Thelight-guide plate 119 is formed of a plate-like transparent member. Anincident end face where light enters is formed on one end face (notshown) of the light-guide plate 119. An exit surface to irradiate lightthat has entered the incident end face is formed on one of the two platesurfaces of the light-guide plate 119. A reflection surface tointernally reflect light that has entered the incident end face towardthe exit surface is formed on the other plate surface. Thelight-emitting elements are arranged to oppose the incident end face ofthe light-guide plate 119. The diffusion layer 122 is formed on the exitsurface of the light-guide plate 119 and diffuses light irradiated bythe light-guide plate 119. The pair of prism sheets 123 and 124 arearranged on the diffusion layer 122 to overlap with each other.

FIG. 15 shows the prism sheets 123 and 124 to form one film. Thinelongated prisms parallel to the widthwise direction (a directionparallel to the incident end face) of the light-guide plate 119 areformed at small pitches on one of the prism sheets 123 and 124, e.g.,the prism sheet 123 on the side of the diffusion layer 122. Thinelongated prisms parallel to the longitudinal direction of thelight-guide plate 119 are formed at small pitches on the remaining prismsheet 124. Light irradiated from the exit surface of the light-guideplate 119 and diffused by the diffusion layer 122 is refracted by thepair of prism sheets 123 and 124 in a direction to decrease an anglewith respect to the direction of normal to the exit surface of thelight-guide plate 119, and is irradiated as illumination light havingintensity distribution that exhibits high exit light intensity in thedirection of normal, i.e., in the direction to the front.

The frame member 118 of the surface light source unit 117 is a moldedproduct made of a synthetic resin, and comprises a rectangularframe-like bottom frame 118 a corresponding to the peripheral edgeportion of that surface of the liquid crystal display panel 110 which ison a side opposite to the observation side, and a circumferential wail118 b formed on the outer peripheral portion of the bottom frame 118 a.

A reflecting plate 125 is arranged on that surface of the frame member118 which is on a side opposite to the side where the liquid crystaldisplay panel 110 is arranged. The reflecting plate 125 is fixed to theouter surface of the bottom frame 18 a so that its outer peripheralportion is integral with the outer surface of the bottom frame 18 a. Thereflecting plate 125 serves to reflect light leaking from the reflectionsurface of the light-guide plate 119 of the surface light source 117 aso that the reflected light enters the reflection surface of thelight-guide plate 119 again.

The surface light source 117 a is arranged in that space of the framemember 118 which is surrounded by the bottom frame 118 a. The reflectionsurface of the light-guide plate 119 is adhered to the reflecting plate125 through a transparent adhesive material or pressure-sensitiveadhesive double coated film.

The liquid crystal display panel 110 is arranged in that space of thesurface light source 117 a which is surrounded by the circumferentialwall 118 b of the frame member 118. The peripheral edge portion of thatsurface (the outer surface of the opposite side polarizing plate 107) ofthe liquid crystal display panel 110 which is on a side opposite to theobservation side is supported by the bottom frame 118 a of the framemember 118, and adhered and fixed to the bottom frame 118 a of the framemember 118 through a pressure-sensitive adhesive double coated tape 126.

The protection plate 109 on the observation side of the liquid crystaldisplay panel 110 is formed of a transparent plate such as a glass plateor acrylic resin plate, and has a rectangular plate-like shape that isalmost the same as the planar shape (the shape as viewed from theobservation side) of the liquid crystal display panel 110.

A light-shielding film 127 is formed on the outer peripheral portion ofthat surface of the protection plate 109 which opposes the liquidcrystal display panel 110 to correspond to that region of the liquidcrystal display panel 110 which is outside the screen area. Thelight-shielding film 127 is formed of a light-shielding paint printedfilm or a metal film such as a chromium plating or deposition film.

The spacer 211 arranged between the liquid crystal display panel 110 andprotection plate 109 to surround the region that corresponds to thescreen area of the liquid crystal display panel 110 is formed of a resinfilm. The spacer 211 is adhered to one of the opposing surfaces of theliquid crystal display panel 110 and protection plate 109, that is, onthat surface (the outer surface of the observation side polarizing plate106) of the liquid crystal display panel 110 which opposes theprotection plate 109, through a pressure-sensitive adhesive doublecoated tape 113, and is abutted against the remaining one of theopposing surfaces, i.e., that surface of the protection plate 109 whichopposes the liquid crystal display panel 110.

The filler layer 114 filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer211 of the gap between the liquid crystal display panel 120 andprotection plate 109 is formed of a resin similar to that of the firstembodiment and having the characteristics of both ultravioletpolymerization properties and thermal polymerization properties, inaccordance with a method similar to the manufacturing method describedin the first embodiment.

More specifically, the spacer 211 is adhered to the observation sidesurface of the liquid crystal display panel 110 through thepressure-sensitive adhesive double coated tape 113. After that, atransparent resin having the characteristics of both ultravioletpolymerization properties and thermal polymerization properties issupplied by a dispenser or the like to near the center (near the centerof the screen area) of that surface of the liquid crystal display panel110 which is adhered with the spacer 211. The protection plate 109 isoverlaid on the transparent resin and pressurized. Hence, that surfaceof the protection plate 109 which opposes the liquid crystal displaypanel 110 is abutted against the spacer 211. The abutting pressurespreads the transparent resin in the entire region surrounded by thespacer 211. Ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the outer surface side ofthe protection plate 109 for a predetermined period of time whilemaintaining the pressurized state. After that, the pressure is removed,and the resultant structure is left still in a heating atmospheremaintained at the polymerization temperature of the transparent resinfor a predetermined period of time. As a result, the resultant structureis integrated.

The spacer 211 includes at least one missing portion, preferably aplurality of missing portions, to connect the inside and outside of theregion to each other. When the protection plate 109 is overlaid on thetransparent resin supplied onto the liquid crystal display panel 110 andis pressurized, the transparent resin is spread while discharging airbetween the liquid crystal display panel 110 and protection plate 109 tothe outside through the missing portions formed in the spacer 211, tofill the entire region surrounded by the spacer 211.

In the region surrounded by the spacer 211, the liquid crystal displaypanel 110 and protection plate 109 are bonded to each other through thelayer of the transparent resin.

In the liquid crystal display module 129, the liquid crystal displaypanel 110 and surface light source unit 117 are integrated by adheringand fixing them to the bottom frame 118 a of the frame member 118 of thesurface light source unit 117, at the peripheral edge portions on a sideopposite to the observation side of the liquid crystal display panel110, through the pressure-sensitive adhesive double coated tape 126. Theliquid crystal display panel 110 and protection plate 109 are integratedby bonding them through the filler layer 114 filling the region that issurrounded by the spacer 211 of the gap between the liquid crystaldisplay panel 110 and protection plate 109.

Accordingly, the liquid crystal display module 129 can be assembledeasily.

As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid crystal display module 129 is arrangedin the housing 120 by fitting the protection plate 109 in the opening121 of the housing 120 and fixing the surface light source unit 117 to amodule support 130 provided in the housing 120.

According to this embodiment, the module support 130 in the housing 120is provided with positioning projections 140 that abut against the outercircumferential surface of the frame member 118 of the surface lightsource unit 117. The frame member 118 of the surface light source unit117 is fixed to the positioning projections 140 by a means such asfixing with machine screws.

The space between the circumferential wall 118 b of the frame member 118of the surface light source unit 117 and the peripheral edge portion ofthe opening 121 of the housing 120 is provided with a seal frame 141 toprevent dust from entering the housing 120 through the gap between theperipheral surface of the opening 121 and the outer circumferentialsurface of the protection plate 109. The seal frame 141 is made of anelastic material such as sponge. One surface of the seal frame 141 isadhered to one of the inner surface of the housing 120 and the topsurface of the circumferential wall 118 b of the frame member 118 thatoppose each other. The other surface of the seal frame 141 is broughtinto contact with the remaining one of the two opposing surfaces. Hence,the seal frame 141 is sandwiched between the opposing surfaces in astate compressed to a certain degree.

In this liquid crystal display apparatus, the liquid crystal displaymodule 129 is the integral body of the liquid crystal display panel 110,the surface light source unit 117 having the surface light source 117 a,and the protection plate 109. The protection plate 109 is fitted in theopening 121 of the housing 120, and the surface light source unit 117 isfixed to the module support 130 provided in the housing 120.Accordingly, when arranging the liquid crystal display module 129 in thehousing 120 having the opening 121, the liquid crystal display panel110, surface light source 117 a, and protection plate 109 can bearranged in the housing 120 at once.

In addition, the liquid crystal display panel 110 is fixed to thesurface light source unit 117. The spacer 211 is arranged between theliquid crystal display panel 110 and protection plate 109 so as tosurround the region that corresponds to the screen area of the liquidcrystal display panel 110. The elastic filler layer 114 is filling theregion that is surrounded by the spacer 211 of the gap between theliquid crystal display panel 110 and protection plate 109. In thismanner, in the liquid crystal display module 129, the liquid crystaldisplay panel 110 and protection plate 109 are integrated. Accordingly,the liquid crystal display module 129 can be assembled easily, therebydecreasing the manufacturing cost of the liquid crystal displayapparatus.

Furthermore, in this liquid crystal display apparatus, the surface lightsource unit 117 of the liquid crystal display module 129 comprises thesurface light source 117 a to emit illumination light toward the liquidcrystal display panel 110, and the frame member 118 supporting thesurface light source 117 a. Of the liquid crystal display panel 110, theframe member 118 of the surface light source unit 117, and theprotection plate 109, the frame member 118 that has the highest strengthis fixed to the module support 130 in the housing 120. Accordingly, theattaching strength of the liquid crystal display module 129 with respectto the housing 120 can be ensured sufficiently.

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid crystal displayapparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Inthe ninth embodiment, portions that are identical to their equivalentsin the eighth embodiment described above are denoted by the samereference numerals, and a repetitive description will be omitted.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus of this embodiment, a liquidcrystal display module 129 is adhered and fixed to a bottom frame 118 aof a frame member 118 (see FIG. 15) of a surface light source unit 117,at a peripheral edge portion of its surface on a side opposite to theobservation side of a liquid crystal display panel 110, through apressure-sensitive adhesive double coated tape 126. The peripheral edgeportion of the observation side surface of the liquid crystal displaypanel 110 is urged and fixed to the bottom frame 118 a of the framemember 118 by a retaining member 150 that is attached to acircumferential wall 118 b of the frame member 118 and abutted againstthe peripheral edge portion of the observation side surface of theliquid crystal display panel 110. Except for this, the arrangement ofthe ninth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

For example, the retaining member 150 comprises a metal frame having adisplay panel retaining portion and a frame-like attaching portion. Thedisplay panel retaining portion abuts against the peripheral edgeportion of the observation side surface of the liquid crystal displaypanel 110. The frame-like member attaching portion is fitted on theouter circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 118 b of theframe member 118. The frame-like member attaching portion is attached tothe outer circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 118 b ofthe frame member 118 by a means such as fixing with machine screws.

When employing such a retaining member 150, a light-shielding film suchas a plated chromium film may be formed on the outer surface of thedisplay panel retaining portion of the retaining member 150. Thelight-shielding film 127 formed on the protection plate 109 in the firstembodiment may be omitted.

In the ninth embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel 110 of theliquid crystal display module 129 may be fixed to the frame member 118of the surface light source unit 117 by only the retaining member 150.

In the eighth and ninth embodiments, as the spacer 211 that is providedbetween the liquid crystal display panel 110 and protection plate 109 ofthe liquid crystal display module 129 to surround the region thatcorresponds to the screen area of the liquid crystal display panel 110,one formed of a resin film is used. The spacer 211 is adhered to one ofthe opposing surfaces of the liquid crystal display panel 110 andprotection plate 109 and abutted against the remaining one of theopposing surfaces. The spacer 211 may be formed of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive double coated film. Also, any of the spacers employed In thefirst to seventh embodiments described above may be employed.

In the respective embodiments described above, assume a case in which aglass plate other than a tempered glass plate, or a transparent plate,e.g., an acrylic resin plate, which is free from fragment scatteringcaused by fracture is provided as the observation surface protectionplate. In this case, as a light-shielding film corresponding to thatregion of the liquid crystal display panel 1 which is outside the screenarea 1 a, a light-shielding resin film formed into the same shape asthat of the splinterproof sheet 15 of the seventh embodiment may beadhered to that surface of the protection plate which opposes the liquidcrystal display panel 1.

The display device integral with the protection plate according to eachof the first to ninth embodiments described above comprises a liquidcrystal display device panel as a display device that displays an image.The display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display panel, butmay be an electroluminescence display panel, plasma display panel, orthe like.

As described above, a display device according to the present inventionis characterized by comprising a display panel to display an image, aprotection plate that is arranged on an observation side of the displaypanel with a predetermined gap with respect to the display panel andconfigured to protect an observation surface of the display panel, aspacer that is arranged between the display panel and the protectionplate to surround a region that corresponds to a screen area of thedisplay panel, the spacer at least partly including at least one missingportion to connect an inside and an outside of the region to each other,and a filler layer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacerof a gap between the display panel and the protection plate, the fillerlayer having keen polymerized by irradiation of light and heating.

In the display device, preferably, the filler layer is formed of a resinhaving characteristics of both ultraviolet polymerization properties andthermal polymerization properties. Preferably, the spacer forms arectangular frame surrounding the region that corresponds to the screenarea of the display panel, and includes missing portions formed neareach of four corners of the spacer. In this case, desirably, eachmissing portion of the spacer is formed in such a shape that a width ofthe missing portions increases from an outer edge toward an inner edgeof the spacer.

In the display device, preferably, the spacer forms a rectangular framesurrounding the region that corresponds to the screen area of thedisplay panel, and includes missing portions formed at four sides andfour corners of the spacer. Preferably, the spacer is formed of a resinfilm, adhered to one of opposing surfaces of the display panel and theprotection plate through a pressure-sensitive adhesive double coatedfilm, and abutted against the remaining one of the opposing surfaces. Inaddition, preferably, the spacer is formed of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive double coated film and adhered to each of opposing surfaces ofthe display panel and the protection plate. Preferably, the displaydevice further comprises a splinterproof sheet against fracture of theprotection plate. The splinterproof sheet is adhered to an entire outerperipheral portion of a surface of the protection plate that opposes thedisplay panel, between an outer circumferential edge of a portioncorresponding to the spacer and a circumferential edge of the protectionplate. In this case, desirably, the splinterproof sheet is formedintegrally with the spacer. Desirably, a portion of a spacer side edgeportion of the splinterproof sheet that corresponds to the missingportion of the spacer is located outside an outer circumferential edgeof a region of the display panel that corresponds to the filler layer.Desirably, the display device further comprises a light-shielding filmformed on the outer peripheral portion of the surface of the protectionplate that opposes the display panel, the light-shielding filmcorresponding to a region that is outside the screen area of the displaypanel. Furthermore, desirably, the splinterproof sheet includeslight-shielding properties and forms a light-shielding film thatcorresponds to an outer side of the screen area of the display panel.

A display device according to the present invention is characterized bycomprising a display panel to display an image, a protection plate thatis arranged on an observation side of the display panel with apredetermined gap with respect to the display panel and configured toprotect an observation surface of the display panel, a film member thatis arranged on a surface of the protection plate that opposes thedisplay panel outside a screen area of the display panel so as tosurround a region that corresponds to the screen area and overlap thedisplay panel at least partly, the film member including at least onemissing portion formed at a portion overlapping with the display panel,the missing portion extending outside the display panel to connect aninside and an outside of the region to each other, and a filler layerformed of a resin which is filling the region that is surrounded by aninner edge of the film member of a gap between the display panel and theprotection plate.

In the display device, preferably, the film member comprises a coloredresin film. Preferably, the film member is adhered to the protectionplate through a pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

Furthermore, a display apparatus according to the present invention ischaracterized by comprising a housing including a display opening, asupport provided in the housing to correspond to the opening, a displaydevice including a display panel to display an image, a protection platethat is arranged on an observation side of the display panel with apredetermined gap with respect to the display panel, has a size to fitin the opening of the housing, and is configured to protect anobservation surface of the display panel, a spacer that is arrangedbetween the display panel and the protection plate to surround a regionthat corresponds to a screen area of the display panel, and includes atleast one missing portion to connect an inside and an outside of theregion to each other, and an elastic filler layer filling the regionthat is surrounded by the spacer of a gap between the display panel andthe protection plate, having elasticity, and having been polymerized byirradiation of light and heating, and a surface light source unit thatis fixed to the support in the housing on a side of the display devicethat is opposite to the observation side, and configured to fix thedisplay device and radiate illumination light toward the display device.

In the display apparatus, preferably, the surface light source unitcomprises a surface light source to emit the illumination light towardthe display device, and a frame-like member supporting the surface lightsource, the frame-like member being fixed to the support in the housing.In this case, desirably, the frame-like member of the surface lightsource unit comprises a bottom frame that supports a peripheral edgeportion of a surface of the display device that is on a side opposite tothe observation side, and a circumferential wall that is formed on anouter circumferential portion of the bottom frame so as to provide aspace to store the display device. Desirably, the display apparatusfurther comprises a retaining member that is attached to thecircumferential wall of the frame-like member of the surface lightsource unit and serves to abut against a peripheral edge portion of anobservation side surface of the display device to urge the displaydevice against the bottom frame of the frame-like member, thereby fixingthe display device. In the display apparatus, preferably, the fillerlayer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer of the gapbetween the display device and the observation surface protection plateis formed of a resin having characteristics of both ultravioletpolymerization properties and thermal polymerization properties.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A display device comprising: a display panel to display an image; aprotection plate that is arranged on an observation side of the displaypanel with a predetermined gap with respect to the display panel andconfigured to protect an observation surface of the display panel; aspacer that is arranged between the display panel and the protectionplate to surround a region that corresponds to a screen area of thedisplay panel, the spacer including at least one missing portion toconnect an inside and an outside of the region to each other; and afiller layer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer of agap between the display panel and the protection plate, the filler layerhaving been polymerized by irradiation of light and heating; wherein thespacer forms a rectangular frame surrounding the region that correspondsto the screen area of the display panel, and the at least one missingportion comprises missing portions formed near each of four corners ofthe spacer; and wherein each of the missing portions formed near thefour corners of the spacer is formed in such a shape that a width of themissing portion increases from an outer edge toward an inner edge of thespacer.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the filler layer isformed of a resin having characteristics of both ultravioletpolymerization properties and thermal polymerization properties.
 3. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the at least one missing portioncomprises missing portions formed at each of four sides of the spacer.4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed of aresin film, adhered to one of opposing surfaces of the display panel andthe protection plate through a pressure-sensitive adhesive double coatedfilm, and abutted against the other of the opposing surfaces.
 5. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed of apressure-sensitive adhesive double coated film and adhered to each ofopposing surfaces of the display panel and the protection plate.
 6. Adisplay device comprising: a display panel to display an image; aprotection plate that is arranged on an observation side of the displaypanel with a predetermined gap with respect to the display panel andconfigured to protect an observation surface of the display panel; aspacer that is arranged between the display panel and the protectionplate to surround a region that corresponds to a screen area of thedisplay panel, the spacer including at least one missing portion toconnect an inside and an outside of the region to each other; a fillerlayer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer of a gapbetween the display panel and the protection plate, the filler layerhaving been polymerized by irradiation of light and heating; and asplinterproof sheet against fracture of the protection plate, thesplinterproof sheet being adhered to a surface of the protection platethat opposes the display panel, and covering an entire outer peripheralportion between an outer circumferential edge of a portion correspondingto the spacer and a circumferential edge of the protection plate.
 7. Thedevice according to claim 6, wherein the splinterproof sheet is formedintegrally with the spacer.
 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein,of an edge of the splinterproof sheet that is on a side of the spacer, aportion that corresponds to the missing portion of the spacer is locatedoutside an outer circumferential edge of a region of the display panelthat corresponds to the filler layer.
 9. The device according to claim6, further comprising a light-shielding film formed on an outerperipheral portion of the surface of the protection plate that opposesthe display panel, the light-shielding film corresponding to a regionthat is outside the screen area of the display panel.
 10. The deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein the splinterproof sheet haslight-shielding properties and forms a light-shielding film thatcorresponds to an outer side of the screen area of the display panel.11. A display apparatus comprising: a housing including a displayopening; a support provided to correspond to the opening in the housing;a display device including (i) a display panel to display an image, (ii)a protection plate that is arranged on an observation side of thedisplay panel with a predetermined gap with respect to the displaypanel, has a size to fit in the opening of the housing, and isconfigured to protect an observation surface of the display panel, (iii)a spacer that is arranged between the display panel and the protectionplate to surround a region that corresponds to a screen area of thedisplay panel, and includes at least one missing portion to connect aninside and an outside of the region to each other, and (iv) an elasticfiller layer filling the region that is surrounded by the spacer of agap between the display panel and the protection plate, the filler layerhaving been polymerized by irradiation of light and heating; and asurface light source unit that is fixed to the support in the housing ona side of the display device that is opposite to the observation side,and configured to fix the display device and radiate illumination lighttoward the display device; wherein the surface light source unitcomprises a surface light source to emit the illumination light towardthe display device, and a frame-like member supporting the surface lightsource, the frame-like member being fixed to the support in the housing.12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the frame-like memberof the surface light source unit comprises a bottom frame that supportsa peripheral edge portion of a surface of the display device that is ona side opposite to the observation side, and a circumferential wall thatis formed on an outer circumferential portion of the bottom frame so asto provide a space to store the display device.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 12, further comprising a retaining member that isattached to the circumferential wall of the frame-like member of thesurface light source unit and abutted against a peripheral edge portionof an observation side surface of the display device to urge and fix thedisplay device to the bottom frame of the frame-like member.
 14. Adisplay device comprising: a display panel to display an image; aprotection plate that is arranged on an observation side of the displaypanel with a predetermined gap with respect to the display panel andconfigured to protect an observation surface of the display panel; aspacer that is arranged between the display panel and the protectionplate to surround a region that corresponds to a screen area of thedisplay panel, the spacer including missing portions to connect aninside and an outside of the region to each other; and a resin layerthat is provided in the region that is surrounded by the spacer of a gapbetween the display panel and the protection plate; wherein the spacerforms a rectangular frame surrounding the region that corresponds to thescreen area of the display panel, the missing portions include a missingportion formed near each of four corners of the spacer, and each missingportion of the spacer formed near the four corners of the spacer isformed in such a shape that a width of the missing portion increasesfrom an outer edge toward an inner edge of the spacer.
 15. A displayapparatus comprising: a housing including a display opening; a supportprovided in the housing to correspond to the opening; a display deviceincluding a display panel to display an image and a protection plate,attached to the display panel, to protect an observation surface of thedisplay panel; and a surface light source unit that is fixed to thesupport in the housing on a side of the display device that is oppositeto an observation side of the display device, and configured to fix thedisplay device and radiate illumination light toward the display device;wherein the surface light source unit comprises a surface light sourceto emit the illumination light toward the display device, and aframe-like member supporting the surface light source, the frame-likemember being fixed to the support in the housing.